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The Diploma is a new qualification for 14 to 19 year olds that focuses on a specific industry sector.

The Diploma in SHD aims to provide, through a blend of general education and applied learning, a programme that gives young people an understanding of the children and young people's workforce, health, community justice and adult social care sectors.

There's a strong focus on equipping young people with the functional skills needed to do well working in any field, as well as teaching them practical techniques required for different job roles.

The Diploma in SHD has been developed by employers, schools, colleges and universities to help young people realise their potential and gain knowledge and skills in a ‘real world' environment.

Because SHD is driven by skills needs, it will ensure young people have an excellent grasp of English, maths and ICT skills, while applying these subjects to real work scenarios where possible. It also encourages the acquisition of relevant research skills.

SHD will also stretch the most able students to ensure that they are prepared for whatever path they choose: further or higher education or skilled employment.

Because young people will have a grasp of the different sectors, it will help them make better informed choices when they come to make decisions about higher education, leading to lower attrition rates.

The Diploma in SHD will give a strong grounding in the children and young people's workforce, health, community justice and adult social care sectors, but will also ensure young people have wider skills and knowledge to prepare them for work in any field.

The Diploma has been designed to integrate with existing qualifications - the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority (QCA) will ensure that the quality of the Diploma is pitched at the same level as GCSE and A level.

A wide range of groups have been integral to the creation of the Diploma. Content is being developed by Diploma Development Partnerships (DDPs) made up of stakeholders across education, government and employers.

Employer needs in each sector are represented through the appropriate Sector Skills Council. A wide range of organisations from the four occupational sectors have been involved in designing the Diploma in SHD as well as education experts.

Yes, we welcome more schools, colleges, employers and HEIs coming on board.

Schools and colleges will need to work closely with employers if you decide to deliver the Diploma in SHD  to ensure your place of learning stays in touch with the latest sector needs. Schools and colleges can get involved in local 14-19 partnerships and consortia as the first step.

Consortia delivering a Diploma line for the first time in 2008 or 2009 have received £30,000 per new line from the Department for Children Schools and Families, to help prepare for the first delivery of a Diploma line.  Comparable funding will be made available during the 2009/10 financial year for consortia approved to deliver Diplomas for the first time in September 2010.  Details of this funding will be announced in March 2009. Get in touch

The government has listened to the concerns of employers and universities and is embarking on a major programme to put functional skills in English and maths at the heart of the curriculum for 14-19 year olds, so that no young person leaves education without them. These functional skills and the project will help equip young people with the academic content of higher education courses.

Work experience will be a key feature of all Diplomas. SHD will require a minimum amount of time in the workplace of 10 days across the programme at each level. At Level 3, there will be 20 days for context placement in at least two sectors, supporting young people in making an informed choice as they progress.

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